INTRODUCTION

‍I have been working on machines to recycle plastic for a while, when soon after my other project Phonebloks exploded on the internet and Precious Plastic was set on hold. However, I still think this project has a huge potential and I am really keen on pushing it forward. Ihave a workshop, tools and materials to make it happen, however not the time or knowledge to get this done myself. I need a clever machine builder! That is why I am donating my prize money I won last year to someone that is able to do this.

GOAL OF THE PROJECT

‍Plastic is everywhere around us, but hardly any of it is being recycled. Local plastic production is rapidly growing by 3D printers and developing countries are swamped in plastic waste it. There needs to be a set of machines that can recycle plastic locally and turn waste into new products or raw-material. We are trying to develop them here. The blueprints of these machines are shared online, for free. So everyone in the world can download and reproduce them. Machines will be easy to build, use, upgrade and repair.

THE ASSIGNMENT

‍There are four machines in the Precious Plastic family. We are focussing on the shredder, injection and extrusion (rotation isn’t a necessity yet). There is a workable version 1.0 of these as a starting point. However they need to be redesigned and built according to the requirements of version 2.0 below. I have all the space, tools and materials to make this happen, and if I haven’t I will make sure I’ll get them. You will be doing research on the machines, drawing CAD models, heating control in arduino, prototype, test and build a final version.

BUILDING GUIDELINES

‍I have already made version 1.0 of these machines, a proof of concept. I have been working with them for quite a bit, gathered lots of feedback and it’s time to develop a second versions. Below you can find the guidelines for version 2.0.

V1.0

• Suited for small productions
• Designed to be made locally
• Made with as many basic materials and tooling as possible.

V2.0

• Modular framework: Building machines on  modular framework so you can exchange parts and upgrade without starting from scratch each new version to come.
• Customizable: Making the machines in a way that you can customize them to your needs with hardware plugins. Replace the electric motor of a shredder for a manual driven, or perhaps a wind powered.
• User Friendly: The current machines need quite some instructions before you are able to understand them. The new version will be much more user friendly.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MACHINE BUILDER

‍I am looking for someone with a technical background, experienced in developing and making hardware. You need to be able to take the lead in a project, meet deadlines and be organized.

– Speak English or Dutch
– Experience in developing hardware
– Experience in building hardware
– Know how to use basic tooling like welding and cutting.
– Basic experience in Arduino or Raspberry Pi
– Capable of making CAD drawings.
– Working structured with a clear plan.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION + KEY DATES

Budget€10.000,  materials, lunch, tools are all coveredPeriodJanuary 2015 – June 2015Christmas 2014Last date to registerChristmas 2014  -10th January 2014Selection processJanuary – June 2015Machine design and developmentJune 2015Release new blueprints

FINAL WORD

‍I share the workspace in Helmond with two friends of mine, they are great guys. We are based in an old post office. We love being here and try to make the place as fun, efficient and relaxed as possible. I’m sure you will love being here too.

This project isn’t for commercial use. The blueprints are shared online for free. There is no business model behind it. I do it because I care and I believe these machines should exist. It is something the world needs. So if you are interested in helping, do it because you care.

REGISTER

You are enthusiastic in pushing this project forward and meet all the above requirements? Great, I would love to know more about you! There is budget available for one machine developer (if you want to volunteer i’m fully up for it) Please send a mail to dave@preciousplastic.com with your resume, why you want to get involved and a portfolio of projects what you’ve done before. –convince me you can do it!

If something is unclear or if you have any questions. Please leave a comment.

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